Kerala HC: Physiotherapists, occupational therapists can’t use ‘Dr.’ prefix without recognised medical qualification

The court directed the competent authorities to ensure that the prefix “Dr.” is not used by physiotherapists and occupational therapists without a recognised medical qualification.

The high court noted that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had earlier issued an order directing the removal of the prefix “Dr.” for physiotherapists from the Competency-Based Curriculum for Physiotherapy – Approved Syllabus, 2025, on the ground that using the title “Doctor” without a recognised medical qualification would violate the provisions of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916.

Pointing out that the said order was subsequently withdrawn, Justice Arun noted that the petitioners had made out a prima facie case.

The Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation filed the plea, contending that physiotherapists and occupational therapists should not proclaim themselves as the first health care providers.

The association urged that these professionals be confined to functioning only as a supporting group for, and under, qualified medical professionals.

The matter is posted for further hearing on December 1.

The plea was filed against the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) and the State Allied and Health Care Council, seeking to restrain physiotherapists and occupational therapy professionals from using the prefix ‘Dr.’ in their names.